A Celebration by the Sea
Folly Beach’s most colorful fall tradition is back! On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Mermaids & Mateys Festival returns to Center Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This beloved community event brings together locals and visitors for a full day of music, food, art, and family-friendly fun by the ocean.
Festival-goers can expect live music across three stages, featuring regional talent and crowd favorites. More than 70 local food, art, and craft vendors will line the streets, offering everything from handmade jewelry to coastal-inspired bites. For kids (and kids at heart), the Mermaid & Matey Costume Contest is always a highlight, while the Kid Zone keeps the younger crowd entertained with inflatables, sand crafts, stilt walkers, and even a dunk tank.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, Folly’s local restaurants and bars will serve up themed cocktails and bites, turning Center Street into a giant block party. The festival closes out in true Folly fashion with a headline set from Dangermuffin on the Ashley Stage, ensuring the day ends on a high note.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, and free for Folly residents (with ID) and kids under 12. For full details or to purchase tickets, visit the official event page.
About the Area
Folly Beach, often called the “Edge of America,” is a barrier island just 12 miles south of downtown Charleston. Known for its casual, eclectic vibe, Folly combines small-town charm with oceanfront energy. Its colorful cottages, welcoming locals, and lively Center Street make it one of the most distinct beach communities on the East Coast.
Just up the road, Charleston offers a different take on coastal life. The city is steeped in history, with cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and a world-renowned dining scene. Recognized as one of the nation’s top destinations, Charleston blends old-world charm with modern culture, making it the perfect complement to Folly’s laid-back seaside feel.
Make It a SeaEO Weekend
If you’re planning to attend Mermaids & Mateys, why not turn your visit into a full Lowcountry weekend? After a day of parades, music, and costumes, a private boat charter with SeaEO Luxury Boat Charters is a perfect way to unwind or keep the celebration going.
SeaEO operates out of nearby Charleston and offers private, captained charters for groups of up to 13. Every trip is designed around your pace, whether that means relaxing on a sunset cruise through Charleston Harbor, searching for dolphins along the coastline, or hopping between dockside restaurants and tiki bars.
What sets SeaEO apart is that every charter is fully private and customizable. Unlike large sightseeing boats or shared tours, your group has the vessel entirely to yourselves, with an experienced captain handling the details. That means no trailering, no operating the boat yourself, and no stress about tides or docking — just time on the water with your friends, family, or crew.
Pairing the festival with a SeaEO charter makes it easy to see two sides of the Lowcountry: the vibrant energy of Folly Beach and the timeless beauty of Charleston from the water.
Learn more or check availability at sea-eo.com.
Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendars for October 3–5, 2025, and make the most of a fall weekend on the South Carolina coast. Between the Mermaids & Mateys Festival, the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Folly Beach, the charm of nearby Charleston, and the chance to explore the water with SeaEO, this is a trip you won’t want to miss.